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“Why would he change the subject and bring that up?” Ellen asked.
Hendrix shook his head. “See if you can find out.”
Where?
Hank’s.
“I think he’s getting off on trying to intimidate you,” Hendrix said. “Or he came back hoping for another chance at me. He could be spoiling for a fight, looking to get even.”
“You broke his nose. I doubt he wants to tangle with you again.”
“Well, that’s what’s going to happen if he doesn’t back off.” He was supposed to be distancing himself from Ellen—had planned to do so as soon as they finished Jay’s well. But he wouldn’t allow Jordan to harm her.
“I don’t want to drag you into this,” she said. “Who knows how dangerous he is, how far he’ll go.”
“That’s exactly what I’m concerned about,” he said.
That’s a long drive to get something to eat, she wrote.
Maybe it is, he responded.But I’m glad I went to the trouble. The woman I met there is a hell of a lot more fun than you. Prettier, too.
Since Hendrix was reading Jordan’s texts as they came in, he saw that message the same moment she did. “He’s full of shit,” he said. “There’s no one prettier than you, especially around here.”
When she blinked at him, he could tell she was slightly stunned by what he’d said. He was a little surprised he’d blurted that out, too.
“You don’t mean it...”
She probably assumed, as one of her chief detractors, that he didn’t like anything about her, even her appearance. Maybe especially her appearance. He’d witnessed the polarizing effect it had on the people of Coyote Canyon in general. Some were drawn to it, but he’d heard others say things like, “She’d be attractive if she didn’t have all those tattoos...” or “Why doesn’t she grow her hair out like a woman should?” She’d probably heard the same things, but she refused to conform, and he admired that she remained true to herself and lived so authentically. “Why would you say that?” he asked.
“Because you’ve always hated me.”
“I have neverhatedyou.” Although she gave him a skeptical look, he forged ahead. “But even if that were true, hate has nothing to do with looks.”
“It definitely factors into whether or not you find someone attractive.”
Another text came in from Jordan, interrupting their conversation.
Aren’t you going to ask me who I’m talking about?
Ellen rolled her eyes. “He’s obviously baiting me,” she said and wrote,I’m not sure I care.
Fine. Then I won’t tell you.
“Who could it be?” she asked Hendrix.
He shrugged. “I have no idea.”
“Whatever. As long as he leaves me alone it doesn’t matter.”
He got the impression she planned to let it go at that, but Jordan texted her yet again.
I will give you a hint—she hates you as much as I do.
“NowI’mcurious, too,” Hendrix said.
“Hmm. A woman from around here who hates me...” She gave him a sly grin. “Don’t tell me he’s hooking up with your aunt.”
He laughed. “Good one.”
